Rugby legacy left to much-loved hospice

Third party fundraiser Laura Whitham With Arnie Thorpe from the old Mixenden Amateur Rugby League Club, at Overgate Hospice.

Published:14:30Sunday 08 February 2015

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A Halifax rugby league club that blew the final whistle on the game three decades ago has donated the last of its funds to a charity close to its heart.

Mixenden ARLFC, played for two decades, from 1965-85, but the club continued to use money left in its account to send flowers to the funerals of former players and associates.

The account was finally closed by the bank and club treasurer and former player Arnie Thorpe, 67, of Claremount, Halifax, was eventually credited with a cheque for just over £450.

“Myself and other club associates got together to discuss what to do with the money. We talked about going on a night out but then thought - what better way to spend it - then on a charity close to all of our hearts at the club.”

Arnie presented Overgate Hospice, Elland, with the money which will be used towards treating terminally ill Calderdale men and women.

“We were made to feel really welcome at the hospice - even though it was a small contribution toward the thousands of pounds they need daily to care for people we were made to feel our contribution was significant,” he said.

Overgate Hospice fundraising manager Laura Golding, said: “We were all really touched by Arnie’s story when he came in to see us.

“What a fantastic way to end the career of a much loved club. We would like to thank Arnie and all the previous members of the Mixenden Rugby League Club for thinking of us.”

The post on Overgate’s facebook page got more than 200 likes and comments included: